Boosters work by feeding off the service you already have. These devices use larger, additional antennas in addition to the one included with your phone or other mobile devices. Keep in mind that a signal booster helps when the signal is weak. Unfortunately, a booster is not effective in a dead zone where there’s no cell signal at all. In evaluating cell phone signal boosters, we closely examined range, frequencies, cellular networks, antennas, and ease of installation. Since signal boosters will work only if you have a modicum of cell service, you may want to first consider researching a provider more suited to your needs. Delve into our list of the best cell phone plans to determine if there’s a better option for you. Otherwise, read on to see the best cell phone signal boosters. This booster is ideal for a home or office as it’s capable of covering up to 2,500 square feet. Irrespective of the setting, you’ll be able to connect to all 4G LTE frequencies in the United States. Specifically, the Flare Kit will support major cellular carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile for your voice, text, and data needs. At any one time, up to eight people can use the booster and increase their respective signals. To increase or decrease signal strength, you can make manual gain adjustments to boost a particular wireless band. Unlike most networking equipment, the Flare Kit is equally functional as it is sleek. The booster’s plastic shell adds a clean look that makes it inconspicuous, whether on a bookshelf or in a corner. On the other hand, the same can’t be said for the Flare Kit’s outdoor omnidirectional antenna. Although designed to be functional over all else, it doesn’t take away from the overall look of the booster. Once activating the Flare Kit, users have praised the considerable reduction in dropped and missed calls. Coverage Size: Up to 2,500 square feet | Compatible Carriers: All North American carriers | Compatible Devices: 4G, 5G Unlike the Flare Kit, the Fusion4Home Kit covers an additional 500 square feet, providing a range of 3,000 total square feet for a medium-sized home or office. The added square footage will cost you, however, as this booster will set you back anywhere from $400 to $500. The Fusion4Home Kit is equipped with two different antennas for accuracy. For example, the outdoor directional Yagi antenna provides hyper-precise signal grabbing, while the indoor Whip antenna transmits the signal inside. To connect and power up the booster, SureCell incorporated a 50-foot RG-6 coax cable and an AC power supply. The Fusion4Home Kit was created to be efficient and long-lasting considering its sturdy metal design. The booster’s construction collects the outside signal via the Yagi antenna and sends it inside to the Whip. When you need a strong signal sent out, the design also works in reverse. The Fusion4Home Kit funnels data through the Whip, out to the Yagi, and back to the cell tower to send a signal out. For extra support, the booster comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty if something goes wrong. Coverage Size: Up to 3,000 square feet | Compatible Carriers: All North American carriers | Compatible Devices: 3G, 4G, 5G While the reach may be intimidating in terms of installation, users have found the process to be simple. HiBoost has an easy-to-use app that walks users through the installation process and uses cloud-based technology to make monitoring and troubleshooting your booster more convenient. Users can tailor the signal to their needs. To get the strongest signal, an LCD panel allows you to fine-tune the power and analyze real-time data. The booster is compatible with all cell phone carriers in the U.S. and Canada by amplifying 4G LTE, 3G, and even 2G signals. It’s safe to say it can strengthen the signal to any cellular device, improve data speed, and reduce dropped calls. For further proof of HiBoost’s credibility, the Signal Booster is certified by both the FCC and IC. If you need technical assistance or have issues with your booster, you’ll find satisfaction with the device’s three-year warranty and U.S.-based tech support. Bearing in mind the booster’s reach and user-friendliness, it’s the perfect investment to keep your office connected. Coverage Size: Up to 15,000 square feet | Compatible Carriers: All North American carriers | Compatible Devices: 2G, 3G, 4G You can take advantage of the booster’s reach for voice, text, and data needs across prime U.S. mobile carriers. weBoost promises a 21dBm increase in uplink output power and a 12dBM increase in downlink output power. The uplink and downlink elements allow users to maximize reach to the nearest cell phone towers, thus maximizing cell phone service coverage. Unlike most other booster units, the Home Multiroom Kit’s is nicely designed and not too bulky. weBoost also incorporated a feature that allows the units to be mounted. Regardless if you decide to mount the Home Multiroom Kit or not, you must place the equipment in different locations throughout the house. As such, if your home has limited outlets, installation of the booster may be an issue. Coverage Size: Up to 5,000 square feet | Compatible Carriers: All U.S. carriers | Compatible Devices: 4G, 5G For roughly $300, the M2M Direct-Connect Kit, which is compatible with all U.S. wireless carriers, advances 3G or 4G LTE signal before directing it to another device. One of the most impressive features of the direct-connect signal booster is the passive RF bypass failure. If power is lost, the M2M Direct-Connect Kit activates to bypass the amplifier. In turn, the booster’s external antenna can preserve a connection to the receiving device. This feature is ideal for devices such as gates or security equipment. weBoost’s design of the M2M Direct-Connect Kit makes it easy to place within various settings. For instance, the compact form provides for the booster to fit discreetly in a closet or room and the rugged design ensures its contents are thoroughly protected. Although the booster looks appealing, users have complained that the signal remained unimpressive. Coverage Size: N/A | Compatible Carriers: All U.S. carriers | Compatible Devices: 2G, 3G, 4G Additionally, weBoost greatly enhanced its uplink and downlink power from the Drive 46-X. Specifically, uplink power increased by 5bDm, and downlink power increased to more than 5bDm on each band. Even with the perks, for the booster to be limited to your vehicle, the $500 price tag may seem excessive. Before you start your road trip, you won’t have to take too much time to set up your Drive Reach Booster. The kit comes with the booster, a magnetic antenna, a slim, low-profile antenna, and a power supply rapid charge USB-A port. For non-steel vehicles, the included special mounting equipment makes the Drive Reach easy to install. Overall, the booster takes only minutes to install, even without any tools. After installation, be mindful of where you place your phone. For the Drive Reach to be effective as possible, the phone must sit upright directly against the in-vehicle antenna. Without being plugged into its power source, the Drive Reach can provide up to two hours of talk time. Coverage Size: N/A | Compatible Carriers: All U.S. carriers | Compatible Devices: 4G, 5G Hayley Prokos has written for Lifewire since 2019 and has reviewed a number of products from cell phone signal boosters to MacBook cases and projectors. She praised the weBoost Home for its strong signal boosting abilities and reasonable price.
What to Look For in a Cell Phone Signal Booster
Wireless vs. Cradle
Not all cell phone signal boosters are wireless. Some boosters actually use a cradle. With a wireless model, you’ll likely pay more than if you purchased a cell phone signal booster. Conversely, wireless models are capable of providing a stronger signal to multiple devices at once. Cradle signal boosters will only amplify the signal to one connected phone but will be easier on your pockets.
Band Coverage
Cell phone carriers, small and large, use a number of bands with different frequencies in providing cellular service to customers. With distinct bands and various frequencies, you need a booster that can sustain your particular cellular provider. The best cell phone signal boosters cover five bands in addition to 4G. Depending on your carrier and phone, it’s acceptable to select a signal booster with less coverage as long as the bands align to provide the requisite coverage.
Signal Strength
There are cell phone signal boosters on the market with both high-gain and low-gain antennas. Look for a booster with a high-gain antenna. With a high-gain antenna, you’ll want at least 5dBi if you live in a rural area without nearby cell towers. That said, if you live in a more urban area, your signal will likely be obstructed by terrain or builders. City dwellers will be satisfied with a lower-gain antenna.
